Playwriting - Structure, Character, How and What to Write

A masterclass in the craft of playwriting — clear, inspiring and packed with practical tools from one of the most influential teachers of modern theatre.

Stephen Jeffreys’s legendary workshops shaped a generation of playwrights. This book distils his teachings into an essential guide for writers at every level.

About the Ebook

Playwriting is the definitive guide to the art and craft of writing plays, drawn from over two decades of Stephen Jeffreys’s acclaimed workshops. Writers from around the world sought out his masterclasses, and this book captures the clarity, wit and deep insight that made him one of the most respected teachers of dramatic writing.

Jeffreys reveals the invisible frameworks that underpin every successful play, breaking the craft down into its essential components and offering practical tools you can apply immediately to your own work.

Inside, you’ll explore:

• Structure — a deep dive into the fundamental elements of drama, helping you instinctively choose the most effective structure for your play
• Character — how to create credible, compelling characters through story, breadth and depth
• How to Write — techniques for dialogue, dynamic scenes, subtext and approaching your writing from fresh angles
• What to Write — strategies for finding material, exploring the ‘Nine Stories’, and evaluating your ideas

Edited by Maeve McKeown and featuring a Foreword by April De Angelis, this authoritative guide offers a rich array of tools for playwrights at every stage of their journey.

Watch: Stephen Jeffreys on Playwriting

A short introduction to Jeffreys’s approach to dramatic structure and craft.

Critical Praise

"What Stephen Jeffreys doesn't know about playwriting isn't worth knowing."
— Stephen Daldry

"Stephen Jeffreys is as important a teacher as he is brilliant a writer… Without him, I wouldn't have been able to write the plays that I have written."
— Simon Stephens

"An incredibly useful writing helpmeet. As witty and humane as its author."
— Emma Thompson

"What Stephen taught me has shaped my mind and I have shared this with countless writers."
— Kwame Kwei-Armah

"Stephen was a true mentor… I still draw upon much of what he taught me today."
— Abi Morgan

"Like a bird in the air, Stephen was utterly in his element as a teacher. We sat spellbound."
— Phyllida Lloyd

"Would that all playwrights had his openness, his talent, his hard‑headedness, his experience, his enthusiasm, his audacity, his complexity…"
— John Malkovich

"Stephen 'saw' clearly and 'knew' profoundly; which is why we sought out the clarity of his words and learned deeply from his laughter."
— Simon McBurney

"There are gems in here, there is guidance, there is the spirit of Stephen Jeffreys."
— April De Angelis

Press Quotes

"One of the UK's most respected teachers of writing for stage and screen… plain speaking, common sense and accessibility."
— The Stage

"A book to return to time and time again… to cherish and to gift to other lovers of plays."
— BritishTheatre.com

"A masterfully adept and complete guide… a love letter to theatre and the craft of writing for the stage."
— Broadway World

"A detailed, valuable resource for aspiring playwrights and a fascinating read for anyone who loves drama."
— Word Matters

"Breaks the art of writing a play into accessible, digestible components… immensely informative."
— Ink Pellet

"A gripping page‑turner… the perfect manual for anyone wishing to improve their playwriting skills."
— British Theatre Guide

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• A complete playwriting toolkit from one of the most respected teachers in the field.
• Clear, practical techniques you can apply immediately to your own writing.
• Inspiring insights drawn from decades of workshops and masterclasses.
• Perfect for playwrights, dramaturgs and theatre‑makers at any level.
• A Nick Hern Books essential for anyone serious about writing for the stage.

About the Author

Stephen Jeffreys (1950–2018) was an acclaimed playwright and one of the most influential teachers of dramatic writing in the UK. His workshops shaped the ideas and careers of countless playwrights, and his plays — including The Libertine — have been performed around the world. His legacy continues through the writers he mentored and the craft he so passionately shared.

Publication Details

Publisher: Nick Hern Books

Publication Date: 18 April 2019

Print Length: 296 pages

ISBN (Ebook): 9781788501620

Format: Ebook

Language: English

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